Good Manners Month
Your students will love these bizarre manners customs from bygone days
September 1
France, 1200 A.D.
Wash your hands before you dip them into the serving pot.1
September 4
America, 1800s
Never laugh at your own jokes.2
September 5
Holland, 1530 A.D.
If your friend uses bad manners, point it out kindly and when you are alone.1
September 6
France, 1200 A.D.
Use a thick piece of bread for a plate; when you're finished eating, give your
gravy-soaked "trencher" to the poor for their dinner.1
September 7
America, 1800s
Children must not eat greedily, cram their mouths full, smack their lips, tilt
their chairs back, or drop their knives on the tablecloth.2
September 8
America, 1800s
Never use nicknames in public.2
September 11
England, c. 1650 A.D.
Take your own knife, fork, and spoon when you travel because inns do not provide
tableware.1
September 12
Pilgrims in America
Wait until you are finished eating to scratch yourself.3
September 13
America, 1800s
Always insert the stopper in your ink bottle if you are called away from your
desk.2
September 14
Holland, 1530 A.D.
Never lick your greasy fingers; wipe them on the tablecloth instead.1
September 15
America, 1800s
At the table, do not cough or breathe into your neighbor's face, fidget in your
seat, whisper secrets, or drum the table with your fingers.2
September 18
France, 1200 A.D.
If you are not using your knife to eat, keep it in its sheath.1
September 19
America, 1800s
Memorize books, lectures, and sermons so that you can quote from them during
conversation, always remembering to give credit to the authors.2
September 20
China, c. 400 B.C.
Use silver-tipped chopsticks; if your food has been poisoned, the silver will
turn black and serve as a warning to you.1
September 21
America, 1800s
Older children must not mortify wee ones by reproving them loudly at the table.2
September 22
Holland, 1530 A.D.
Do not act like a glutton or wolf, trying to be the first to reach into the
pot.1
September 25
America, 1800s
Never invite people over unless you really want to spend time with them.2
September 26
England, c. 1400 A.D.
Do not dip your meat into the salt bowl; instead, use your little finger to
sprinkle salt on your food.4
September 27
Holland, 1530 A.D.
Keep two "pinkies" out of the serving pot. Three fingers are enough
to get what you want.1
September 28
America, 1800s
Children must wait to eat until all the adults are served.2
September 29
Holland, 1530 A.D.
Take the first thing you touch; do not fish around in the pot for a bigger piece.1
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